Our History

The Progressive Life Center (PLC) was founded in 1983, by Dr. Frederick Phillips (1946-2018), a clinical psychologist who dedicated his career to child welfare and family development.

PLC began with one program and a staff of five, providing community-based mental health services with a culturally and spiritually based approach to adjudicated African American youth and their families in Washington, DC.

Today, PLC has nearly 100 staff in offices in the District of Columbia; Baltimore, MD; Prince George’s County, MD; Philadelphia and York, PA; and Newark, DE. We are dedicated to helping individuals and families recognize and maximize their inner resources and strengths, enhance their relationships, and function harmoniously in broader environments.

PLC is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and is licensed as a child placement agency in the State of Maryland, State of Delaware, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition, PLC is accredited by the Council on Accreditation.

Throughout our history, PLC has developed a rich tapestry of behavioral and mental health services for vulnerable children, youth, and families.